The Lake Biwa Canal Cruise

Take in the Historical and Natural Beauty of the Lake Biwa Canal

The Biwako Canal has, since 1890, provided the

city of Kyoto with the power of water from

Japan’s largest lake, Biwa-ko, hidden just behind the

city’s eastern mountains. The canal, built in an effort

to further Kyoto’s industrial development during a mini-decline that occurred after the capital was

transferred to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration

(1868), still today provides the city with water and a

re newed vitality.

The effort was headed by Kunimichi Kitagaki (1836-

1916), the third Governor of Kyoto, who undertook

various measures to modernize the city. At a

time when the design and supervision of every

major civil engineering work was conducted by

foreign engineers, Lake Biwa Canal became the

first civil engineering project in Japan constructed

completely by Japanese engineers and workers.

Lake Biwa Canal is a man-made waterway, but with

the passage of time, the landscape, that exudes the charm of the four seasons, has become a

place of recreation for the public. In 1972, the area

around one of the branch canals, Nyakuoji, was

developed as “The Path of Philosophy”, and it is now

known nationwide as a place famous for its cherry

blossoms.

In 1996, 12 facilities related to Lake Biwa Canal were designated as National Historic Sites. In addition, Lake Biwa Canal, possessions of Lake Biwa Canal Museum, Nanzen-ji Suiro Kaku, Keage Incline, Keage Water Treatment Plant, and the Keage Power Station, were designated as Heritage of Industrial Modernization sites by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry in Heisei 19 (2007). Lake Biwa Canal and its related facilities have been acknowledged as heritage sites that “tell the history of modernization in Kyoto”.

The area is particularly beautiful in springtime when it’s floral banks burst into bloom and the sun glistens on the vivid blue waters. History lovers will also enjoy the numerous red and grey brick tunnels that show exceptional feats of craftsmanship that are still celebrated today. For an unforgettable perspective, board the Lake Biwa Canal Cruise, starting from either Keage boat pier in Kyoto, Yamashina or Otsu in Shiga.

Advance booking is necessary; Tickets are sold online. Time schedule and prices vary depending on the boarding location and days. For schedules, prices and bookings, visit the official website: https://biwakososui.kyoto.travel